This Cervical Screening Awareness Week (19 to 24 June 2025), NHS Highland is asking people across Highland and Argyll and Bute to share their thoughts on cervical screening.
Cervical screening is a free test which is routinely offered to women and anyone with a cervix, between the ages of 25 and 64 every five years. The test looks for a virus known as HPV (Human Papillomavirus) which causes 99% of all cervical cancers. By checking for the virus, a person can be monitored or treated before cells may change into cancer.
Cervical screening can stop cervical cancer before it starts and saves around 5,000 lives per year in the UK. Screening is for people without any symptoms and aims to catch conditions early when treatment is much more likely to be effective.
Around a third of eligible people do not take part in cervical screening, and NHS Highland would like to understand the reasons why. So, an online survey is now open for people to anonymously share their thoughts and experiences around cervical screening.
Sarah Hobbs, Health Improvement Advisor for NHS Highland, said: “We want to understand what helps people to attend their appointment, and what barriers may prevent them from attending. You could even ask your mum, granny or friend what they think - talking about it can help others feel more comfortable.”
She added: “Cervical screening is the only test that can actually prevent cancer before it starts - that’s amazing. Some people just need a bit of encouragement or the right information. Let’s support each other and save lives.”
access the survey hereTo check if you’re up-to-date with your cervical screening, please phone your GP. You don’t need to wait for an invite letter if you’re overdue, just phone your GP practice to make an appointment.
See more information about cervical screening at NHS inform, including BSL and other languages and alternative formats such as audio, easy read and large font.
See information on this website about cervical screening - also available in Easy Read format.